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org ISSN 2395-1621

VORTEX BLADELESS TURBINE

NITEEN KUMAR (niteenpratap@gmail.com), KHURSHEED ALAM (kalam5025@gmail.com), SUDHANSHU
KUMAR (sudhanshusingh131997@gmail.com)

D Y PATIL COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, AMBI, PUNE (MH)

ABSTRACT

The development of wind power in India began in the 1986 with first wind farms being
set up in coastal areas of Maharashtra (Ratnagiri), Gujarat (Okha) and Tamil Nadu
(Tuticorin) with 55 kW Vestas wind turbines. These demonstration projects were
supported by MNRE. The capacity has significantly increased in the last few years.
Although a relative newcomer to the wind industry compared with Denmark or the
United States, India has the fourth largest installed wind power capacity in the world.
In 2009-10 India's growth rate was highest among the other top four countries.

harvesting. To this end, VIV is described by a one-degree-

I. INTRODUCTION
The potential for wind farms in the country was first
assessed by Dr. Jami Hossain using a GIS platform to be
more than 2,000 GW in 2011. This was subsequently
re-validated by Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, US
(LBNL) in an independent study in 2012.
As a result, the MNRE set up a committee to reassess the
potential and through the National Institute of Wind Energy
(NIWE, previously C-WET) has announced a revised
estimation of the potential wind resource in India from
49,130 MW to 302,000 MW assessed at 100m Hub height.
The wind resource at higher Hub heights that are prevailing
is possibly even more. In the year 2015, the MNRE set the
target for Wind Power generation capacity by the year 2022
at 60,000 MW. As of 31 Aug 2016 the installed capacity of
wind power in India was 27,676.55 MW, mainly spread
across South, West and North regions.This placed the India
at this time as the world's fourth largest producer of wind
power (behind 1. China, 2. USA and 3. Germany), having
overtaken Spain in 2015. East and North east regions have
no grid connected wind power plant as of March, 2015 end.
No offshore wind farm utilizing traditional fixed-bottom
wind turbine technologies in shallow sea areas or floating
wind turbine technologies in deep sea areas are under
implementation. However, an Offshore Wind Policy was
announced in 2015 and presently weather stations and
LIDARs are being set up by NIWE at some locations.
II. LITERATURE SURVEY
[1 Antonio Barrero-Gil, Santiago Pindado, Sergio Avila;
Extracting energy from Vortex-Induced Vibrations: A
parametric study; Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Plaza
Cardenal Cisneros 3, E-28040 Madrid, Svain; in this he
studied that
Here, Vortex-Induced Vibrations (VIVs) of a circular
cylinder are analyzed as a potential source for energy
of-freedom model where fluid forces are introduced from
experimental data from forced vibration tests. The influence
of some influencing parameters, like the mass ratio m* or
the mechan-ical damping C in the energy conversion factor
is investigated. The analysis reveals that:
(i) the maximum efficiency r\M is principally influenced
by the mass-damping parameter m*C and there is an
optimum value of m*C where r\M presents a maximum; (ii)
the range of reduced velocities with significant efficiency is
mainly governed by nf, and (iii) it seems that encouraging
high efficiency values can be achieved for high Reynolds
numbers.
[2]Saurav Bobde,Sameer Jadhav, Study of Vortex
Induced Vibrations for Harvesting Energy; IJIRST –
International Journal for Innovative Research in Science &
Technology| Volume 2 | Issue 11 | April 2016, in this he
studied that
Today, India is stepping towards becoming a global super
power. This implies that, it is leading the list of developing
countries in terms of economic development. Hence its
energy requirement is going to increase manifold in the
coming decades. To meet its energy requirement, coal
cannot be the primary source of energy. This is because coal
is depleting very fast. It is estimated that within few decades
coal will get exhausted. The next clean choice of energy is
solar power, but due to its lower concentration per unit area,
it is very costly. India is having fifth largest installed wind
power capacity in the world. As the regions with high wind
speed are limited, the installation of conventional windmill
is limited. Windmills that would provide safe, quite, simple,
affordable and work on lesser wind speeds are need of the
hour. The Bladeless Windmill is such a concept which
works on the phenomenon of vortex shedding to capture the
energy produced. Generally, structures are designed to
minimize vortex induced vibrations in order to minimize
mechanical failures. But here, we try to increase the
vibrations in order to convert vortex induced vibrations into
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electricity. The paper studies the scope and feasibility of the appears. When the flow speed is increased to a critical value,
bladeless windmill. pressure on both sides of the bluff body becomes unstable,
[3] Robert Correa,Eric Cremer,Wind harvesting via which causes a regular pattern of vortices, called vortex
Vortex Induced vibration; BJS-WD14 ;in this he studied street or Kármán vortex street. Certain transduction
that; There is a need for renewable energy sources to be mechanisms can be employed where vortices happen and
more feasible. The purpose of this project is to develop a thus energy can be extracted . This method is suitable both
compact device that is able to harvest wind energy and air flow and liquid flow.
transform it into electrical energy using the concept of
vortex shedding. When calibrated correctly, the vortex
shedding will induce resonant oscillation. Electricity would
be collected from this oscillation using a magnet and coil
assembly. This method was proven to work in water, but has
not been applied to air currents. This team designed and
built a small-scale prototype to be tested in WPI’s closed
circuit wind tunnel. The wind harvester works at a moderate
wind range of 5.4 to 6.6 m/s. Data was collected on the
amplitude and frequency of motion of the cylinder during its
lock-in condition. Calculations were done to find position,
velocity, and acceleration of the system over a complete
cycle. The results demonstrate a potential for vortex induced Fig: Principle of Vortex
vibration to be utilized with wind to create electricity,
however it will be difficult due to the low density of air VORTEX SHREDDING
compared to other fluid mediums, such as water. Vortex shedding is a widely occurring phenomenon
[4] J.C.Cajas,D.J.Yanej;SHAPE Project Vortex applicable to nearly any bluff (non streamlined) body
Bladeless:Parallel multi-code coupling for fluid structure submerged in a fluid flow. Since any real fluid flow is
interaction in wind energy; www.prace-ri.eu ;in this he viscous, there will be a significant boundary layer on the
studied that;Vortex -Bladeless is a Spanish SME whose bodies’ surface for all but the lowest Reynolds number
objective is to develop a new concept of wind turbine flows. At some point along the bodies’ surface, separation
without blades called Vortex or vorticity wind turbine. This of the boundary layer will occur, depending on the exact
design represents a new paradigm in wind energy and aims surface geometry. This separated layer, which bounds the
to eliminate or reduce many of the existing problems in wake and free stream, will tend to cause fluid rotation, since
conventional generators. Due to the significant difference in its outer side, in contact with the free stream, moves faster
the project concept, its scope is different from conventional than its inner side, in contact with the wake. It is this
wind turbines. It is particularly suitable for offshore rotation which then results in the formation of individual
configuration and it could be exploited in wind farms and in vortices, which are then shed from the rear of the body and
environments usually closed to existing ones due to the travel down the wake. Typically, a pattern of periodic,
presence of high intensity winds. alternating vortex shedding
The device is composed of a single structural component,
and given its morphological simplicity, its manufacturing,
transport, storage and installation has clear advantages. The
new wind turbine design has no bearings, gears, etcetera, so
the maintenance requirements could be drastically reduced
and their lifespan is expected to be higher than traditional
wind turbines.
It is clear that the proposed device is of prime interest,
and that scientific investigation of the response of this wind
energy generator under different operation scenarios is
highly desirable. Thus, the objective of this SHAPE project
is to develop the needed tools to simulate Fluid-Structure
Interaction (FSI) problems and to reproduce the
experimental results for scaled models of the Vortex-
Bladeless device. In order to do so the Alya code, developed Fig: Vortex shedding periodic pattern
at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, is adapted to
perform the Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) problem
simulation. The obtained numerical results match
satisfactorily with the experimental results reported.

III. PRINCIPLE
When a fluid flows toward the leading edge of a bluff
body, the pressure in the fluid rises from the free steam
pressure to the stagnation pressure. When the flow speed is
low, i.e. the Reynolds number is low, pressure on both sides
of the bluff body remains symmetric and no turbulence
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Fig: Vortex shedding periodic pattern

will occur in the flow behind the body, which is referred

to as a vortex street. Depending on the characteristics of the
flow, mainly the Reynolds number, different types of vortex Fig: Tapered cylindrical structure
streets may form, which will be discussed later in more
detail. When the pattern of shed vortices is not symmetrical Considering the notations as,
about the body, which is the case in any vortex street, an d0= Dmax,
irregular pressure distribution is formed on the upper and d1= Dmin,
lower sides of the body, which results in a net lift force D= (Dmax + Dmin)/2
perpendicular to the flow direction. Since the vortices are H= L,
shed in a periodic manner, the resulting lift forces on the U= Air velocity,
body also vary periodically with time, and there for can ν= Kinematic viscosity,
induce oscillatory motion of the body. This occurrence fs= Oscillation frequency,
alone would qualify as vortex induced vibration; however, Now, we know Reynolds Number (Re)
there is a more interesting and important phenomenon, Re= (UD)/ν
similar to linear resonance, which can occur when the and Strouhal Number (St)
frequency of vortex shedding (fs) is close to the natural St= (fsD)/L
frequency of the body in motion, (fn). In this phenomenon, Area of tapered cylinder,
referred to as “lock in”, the vortex shedding frequency Ap= (π/2)*(Dmax + Dmin)*L
actually shifts to match the bodies’ natural frequency, and as Rt= Taper Ratio =L/(Dmax + Dmin)
a result, much larger amplitudes of vibration can occur. Reynolds Number distinguish the flow of fluid as
Laminar or turbulent. So we are targetting Re values
300<Re<3*105 for better frequency of vibration.(From
graph)
Now for Reynold number to be 300<Re<3*105 , Strouhal
Number should be 0.2 or 0.198 (from graph)
St = 0.198
Now all the parameters are known except Mean diameter
(D). To find mean diameter, we have to do trial and error.
By comparing our value of D with L/D ratio of other such
Experiment.
Lets fix length as L=2m total length so from precious
research paper and past study we take L/D=10
Now,
2000/D=10
Dmax=200mm
Now from diffrent Reserch paper we found the taper ratio
Fig: Renolds propertis lies between 14-19 so selecting 16 as a taper ratio r=16
r=L/Dmax-Dmin
That means value of Reynolds number should be greater 16=2000/200-Dmin
than 300. Dmin=75mm = 80 mm Approx for smooth taper
Natural Frequency
We know that from Theory of torsion of shaft
IV. CALCULATION we have
Lets consider a structure called Tapered Oscillation
Cylinder. So Wn=√(T / I)
T-torque od rotating member
I- Moment of inertia
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now from CAD drwaing software and selecting material
as pp polypropylene and Determining Thier mass Proerties
considering wall thickness as 2mm we calculated
mass=1.8kg
and also found the position od centre of gravity. Z=
859.18mm from top mast
now natural freq fn= 1/2∏*√{(KL^2-2mgL)/4/I}
putting the values in the formula
I=1/3m*L^2
I=2.4 kg-m^2
now as we know strouhal frequency should be close to
natural frequency
so we know St=0.2
putting the value in strouhal formula
st=fs*D/U
fs=3 Hz
This should be equal to natural frequency
so by putting fn=3
We get K=834.2 N/m
value of spring stifness . This much force is provided to
sutstain the Air thrust.
V. METHODS OF ELETRICITY GENERATION
1.BY PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIAL:-
Piezoelectric Effect is the ability of certain materials to
generate an electric charge in response to applied
mechanical stress. The word Piezoelectric is derived from
the Greek piezein, which means to squeeze or press, and
piezo, which is Greek for “push”.
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When a magnet moves in relation to an electromagnetic
coil, this changes the magnetic flux passing through the coil,
and thus induces the flow of an electric current, which can
be used to do work. A linear alternator is most commonly
used to convert back-and-forth motion directly into
electrical energy. This short-cut eliminates the need for a
crank or linkage that would otherwise be required to convert
a reciprocating motion to a rotary motion in order to be
compatible with a rotary generator.
It fails in our project because our project is a small
prototype so, it is unable to generate that amount of pressure
required for electricity generation from piezoelectric
materials.
But it is possible with real project with large
dimensions(vortex size>2m).
3.BY RACK& PINION MECHANISM :-
Here the reciprocating motion of the vortex turbine is
converted into rotary motion using the rack and pinion
arrangement. The speed due to the rotary motion achieved at
the pinion is less. This speed which is sufficient to rotate
dynamo. The dynamo which rotates within a static magnetic
stator cuts the magnetic flux surrounding it, thus producing
the electric motive force (emf). This generated emf is then
sent to a circuit which is used to the storage battery where it
is stored during the day time.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:

One of the unique characteristics of the piezoelectric

effect is that it is reversible, meaning that materials
exhibiting the direct piezoelectric effect (the generation of
electricity when stress is applied) also exhibit the converse
piezoelectric effect (the generation of stress when an electric
field is applied).

When piezoelectric material is placed under mechanical

stress, a shifting of the positive and negative charge centers
in the material takes place, which then results in an external
electrical field. When reversed, an outer electrical field
either stretches or compresses the piezoelectric material.

There are many materials, both natural and man-made,

that exhibit a range of piezoelectric effects. Some naturally
piezoelectric occurring materials include Berlinite
(structurally identical to quartz), cane sugar, quartz,
Rochelle salt, topaz, tourmaline, and bone (dry bone
exhibits some piezoelectric properties due to the apatite
crystals, and the piezoelectric effect is generally thought to
act as a biological force sensor). An example of man-made
piezoelectric materials includes barium titanate and lead Since the current comes from the dc dynamo is
zirconate titanate. fluctuating type therefore we need this above circuit. In this
when current comes to circuit is stored in capacitor then it
It fails in our project because our project is a small get converted into linear current which is either stored in
prototype so, it is unable to generate that amount of pressure battery or directly use to blow LED bulb.
required for electricity generation from piezoelectric
materials. In our project we use this mechanism but by making its
But it is possible with real project with large larger model we can use above two mechanism
dimensions(vortex size>2m). (i.e.piezoelectricity,linear generator concept).

2. BY LINEAR GENERATOR:-
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Here our main aim is to invent a new renewable source of
electricity generation which can be done by VORTEX
BLADELESS TURBINE.Which can be done by any of the
above three methods.
VI. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
Advantages:
• Simple and low cost.
• Compact size and light weight.
• Pollution free.
• Corrosion and cavitation is less.
• Vortex bladeless wind-driven generator prototype
produces electricity with very few moving parts, on a very
small footprint, and in almost complete silence
• It supposedly has a greater than 50 percent
manufacturing cost advantage and a 40 percent reduction in
its carbon footprint compared to standard wind turbines, the
system also seems to offer direct economic advantages.
• Many opponents of spinning wind turbines point to
their supposed danger to birds and other flying animals, as
well as their rather noisy operation and – particularly in
commercial installations – their enormous size which is not
present in this vortex turbine.
Disadvantages:
• Large power fluctuations.
• Low energy conversion.
• High mechanical stresses
• No control of active and reactive power
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VIII. FUTURE SCOPE
• Since most of states of India has many villages
where there is still very less amount of available electricity
distribution.
• So at that places establishment of this type of
‘bladeless wind turbine’ will help them to avail electricity as
well as job for family persons.
• It must be established in every states of India
because of it is environment friendly as well as seeking
available amount of non – renewable energy sources.
IX. REFERENCES
[1] Antonio Barrero-Gil, Santiago Pindado, Sergio Avila;
Extracting energy from Vortex-Induced Vibrations: A
parametric study; Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Plaza
Cardenal Cisneros 3, E-28040 Madrid, Svain
[2] Saurav Bobde,Sameer Jadhav, Study of Vortex
Induced Vibrations for Harvesting Energy; IJIRST –
International Journal for Innovative Research in Science &
Technology| Volume 2 | Issue 11 | April 2016
[3] Robert Correa,Eric Cremer,Wind harvesting via
Vortex Induced vibration; BJS-WD14.
[4] J.C.Cajas,D.J.Yanej;SHAPE Project Vortex
Bladeless:Parallel multi-code coupling for fluid structure
interaction in wind energy.
[5] www.prace-ri.eu
[6] www.vortexbladeless.com

VII. CONCLUSION
The issue of global climate change and the growing
energy demand induce a need for innovative energy
harvesting devices. Geophysical flows represent a widely
available source of clean energy, useful to tackle the global
energy demand using for example wind turbines, marine
turbines or wave energy converters. Yet, the energy density
in geophysical flows is small, and large systems are required
in order to harvest significant amount of energy.
The turbine generator is the most mature method for flow
energy harvesting. However, the efficiency of conventional
turbines reduces with their sizes due to the increased effect
of friction losses in the bearings and the reduced surface
area of the blades. Furthermore, rotating components such
as bearings suffer from fatigue and wear, especially when
miniaturised. These drawbacks of turbine generators urges
emergence of a new area in energy harvesting, i.e. energy
harvesting from flow induced vibration. The flow here
includes both liquid flow and air flow. There are three main
types of energy harvester of this kind. They are energy
harvesting from vortex-induced vibration (VIV), flutter
energy harvesters and energy harvesters with Helmholtz
resonators.
Flow-induced vibration, as a discipline, is very important
in our daily life, especially in mechanical engineering.
Generally, scientists try to avoid flow-induced vibration in
buildings and structures to reduce possible damage.
Recently, such vibration has been investigated as an energy
source that can be used to generate electrical energy. Two
types of flow-induced vibration are studied so far: vortex-
induced vibration and flutter.